Lemon Crumb Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with bright citrus flavor, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. This lemon crumb muffins recipe combines a tender lemon-flavored muffin base with a buttery crumb topping and a sweet lemon glaze. The combination of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a light crumb topping creates a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Lemon crumb muffins are popular because they offer a bakery-style texture with a soft interior and slightly crisp topping. These muffins are easy to make at home and are perfect for brunch, snacks, or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Muffins
This recipe is made in three parts: crumb topping, muffin batter, and lemon glaze.
Crumb Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons |
Lemon Muffins
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1¼ cups |
| Lemon zest | 2 teaspoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ teaspoons |
| Lemon extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1/3 cup |
Lemon Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Lemon extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 teaspoons |
Why Lemon Flavor Stands Out
The combination of lemon zest and juice creates a strong, fresh citrus flavor that makes these muffins bright and refreshing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crumb Topping
Combine sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly and chill until needed.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a muffin pan.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon extract until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs
Mix in the egg and egg yolks until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Add Lemon Juice
Fold in lemon juice gently without overmixing.
8. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide batter evenly into muffin liners.
9. Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.
10. Bake Muffins
Bake for 20–22 minutes until lightly golden.
11. Cool the Muffins
Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
12. Add Lemon Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled muffins.
Helpful Baking Tips
• Do not overmix the batter.
• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Chill crumb topping before use.
• Use room temperature ingredients.
• Let muffins cool before adding glaze.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serving Ideas
Serve lemon muffins with coffee, tea, or as a light dessert.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze muffins without glaze for up to 2 months.
Make Ahead
Prepare crumb topping ahead and store in the fridge.
Conclusion
Lemon Crumb Muffins are a delicious and easy homemade treat with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With a soft interior, crumb topping, and lemon glaze, these muffins taste just like bakery favorites. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress anyone who loves lemon desserts.
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Lemon Crumb Muffins – Moist Lemon Muffins with Glaze
- Total Time: 42 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist lemon crumb muffins topped with a buttery crumb topping and finished with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect bakery style muffins.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
6 tablespoons butter
Lemon Muffins
2 3/4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 large egg
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
1. Make crumb topping by mixing sugar flour and butter until crumbly then chill.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare muffin pan.
3. Mix flour baking powder and salt.
4. Beat butter sugar lemon zest vanilla and lemon extract.
5. Add egg and egg yolks.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
7. Fold in lemon juice gently.
8. Divide batter into muffin liners.
9. Top with crumb topping.
10. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
11. Cool muffins then drizzle with glaze.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Do not overmix batter.
Chill crumb topping before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lemon extract be skipped?
Yes, but it enhances the lemon flavor.
Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense muffins.
Can bottled lemon juice be used?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.
When should glaze be added?
Add glaze after muffins have cooled.